Last day of National Heritage Week 2026
Today, Sunday, 23 August, is the last day of National Heritage Week 2026, writes Brian Byrne, with the final opportunity to visit heritage exhibitions, family-friendly festivals, and exclusive historic tours in 18 locations across County Kildare.
Art and Unveilings: Art and local history take centre stage today in North Kildare. The Office of Public Works (OPW) is hosting a double-feature of exhibitions at Castletown House in Celbridge, opening with Old Masters from 11am to 12pm, followed by 300 Years of Irish Art from 2pm to 3pm. Meanwhile, the Kilcock Heritage and Historical Society will commemorate the historic Fair Green in Kilcock with a talk, From Fairs to Rebellion, culminating in the unveiling of a brand-new community storyboard from 3pm to 4pm.
Festivals and Family Days: For those seeking a livelier atmosphere, Milltown is celebrating with the Grand Canal Festival and Family Fun Day, running from 12pm to 5pm. Maynooth University’s North Campus is hosting Lá Teaghlaigh (Family Day) from 12pm to 2:30. In Monasterevin, the Blueway Art Studio invites the public to a unique Sensory Mapping the River Barrow event from 2pm to 4pm.
Historic Homes and Monuments Open to the Public: A select number of Kildare’s finest private estates and landmarks are offering special access today — Moyglare Glebe (Maynooth): Open for morning tours from 8:30am to 12:30pm. Harristown House (Brannockstown): Welcoming visitors from 9am to 1pm. Tower of Allen (Hill of Allen): Open to explore from 10am to 4pm. Burtown House (Athy): Tours running from 10am to 2pm. Leixlip Castle (Leixlip): Open for morning tours from 10:15am to 12:15pm. Kildrought House (Celbridge village): Open from 10:45am to 12:45pm. St Mary's Church (Maynooth): Open for visitors on Parson Street from 2pm to 5pm.
Local History and Natural Heritage: In South Kildare, the Athy Historical Society is conducting an afternoon tour of the historic Old Saint Michael’s Graveyard in Athy from 3pm to 4:15. In Sallins, residents can explore the Sallins - A Visual History Photo Exhibition at Cafe Grange, open today from 9am to 4pm. In addition, The Steam Museum & Lodge Park Walled Garden in Straffan is open from 1pm to 4:30pm, and animal lovers can attend an Ireland's Unique Wildlife talk hosted by Kildare Wildlife Rescue in Kildare town from 2pm to 3pm.
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